The Importance of Warming Up

Have you ever started a workout with great intentions but end up struggling and almost feel like you are pushing against the wall, mentally and physically, not ever getting into that “groove”.

This is often because we have not taken the time to warm up properly.

I run into this often with people I coach. The good new is when they get consistent with their warm ups, they not only have a better workout from a physical standpoint, mentally, they are in a much better mindset, get into their zone faster and find their flow with more ease.

Allowing your body to warm up is the most important aspect of your run, ride  or workout.

It helps you prepare your body by increasing your range of motion and circulation, loosening tight muscles and joints, and improving overall mobility. It also helps to improve focus and concentration which can help you perform better during your workout and enjoy it more!

Warming up also helps reduce fatigue and muscle soreness, as well as reduce the risk of injury due to increased stress on your muscles and joints.

Skipping a warm up has several risks associated with it, most commonly, many people experience fatigue quicker than usual leading to a lower quality workout. In addition, going from zero to 100 increases risk of injury due to sudden movements that your body isn’t prepared for. 

A good warm up should be an absolute non-negotiable for all of us.

Here's a little peek my warm up routine before a class or run:

When I am teaching a class, it is actually as important for me to get the blood flowing from a mental standpoint as it is to prepare myself physically. 

A clear head for me is imperative so I can find my own flow with my instruction and motivation and in order for this to come easy and natural, I have to be warmed up properly. Of course, physically, to allow my body to feel strong, energized and to stay injury free, a gradual warm up becomes that much more important. 

I have not had a muscle tear or strain in over 12 years of teaching so I must be doing it right!

A Good Warm Up Is Simple

I do a specific warm up with the Therabody Theragun, where I target each area for about 10 seconds before moving on. This has been absolutely game-changing and takes a total of 6 minutes. Of course, this isn’t a must for a good warm up but I thought I’d add it in for those of you that have a massage gun.

Following the Theragun, I get on the bike and start super easy and gradually increase the intensity and add in a few very hard but short bursts, before getting off the bike, take a breath, focus and am ready to deliver a great class.

If you are going out for a run, the basics are the same. Allow yourself to start extremely slow and naturally pick up your pace as it feels “right” until you are at your working effort. This will vary from day to day but you will intuitively get a sign when its time to hit the workout and start challenging yourself!

If you are not consistently easing into every workout with a good warm up, start to make it a constant habit. Your mind and body will thank you.